Hood release cable

[mauro12]

Hi guys , I was wondering what is the best way to prevent the hood release cable to break . I’m sure is proper lubrication but exactly where ? I’ve noticed that mine makes a strange noise near the release lever . The latch in the engine compartment is full of grease .
I’ve read that is a nightmare to open the hood when the cable is broken .
Thank you

[Lorsar]

I would order a new cable and replace it before it breaks.  If it breaks from the handle side, you can use vice grips to pull it but if it's  broken under the hood it is more complicated.   Search the forum, someone described how to do it not that long ago.

[BobH]

Have a look on here

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/ChassisBody/HoodCableRemoval

[mauro12]

It’s not broken the cable but the release sound is not like it used to be before . To give you an example , when you pull the lever , the hood should pop up with a little bounce but mine does not do that. Probably the hood was misaligned slightly when I removed it 2 years ago to do some work. . To tight the cable you have to turn clockwise the screw near the latch right ? Ccw to loosen ?
I have greased the latch in the engine bay and I was wondering if you need to grease the cable near the lever inside the car. Thank you

[badali]

To check the cable adjustment have someone pull the handle while you look at the catch to see if it pulls in far enough.  If you make any adjustments make sure it pulls in before you even close the hood.  If all is ok then maybe you did miss align the hood a little.  Also check the spring in the catch to see if it is working.

[Cees Klumper]

I'm curious now, prompted by this discussion. When hood release cables have broken in the past, does anyone know why they broke? AFAIK these are solid steel, 'piano wires' that are very robust.
Some lubrication I suppose couldn't hurt, although I understand many types of lubrication dry up, attract dust and dirt and so on, and so in the long run can do more damage than good.
A thorough inspection of the existing wire, by taking it apart, could be a good idea. Clean it (steel wool / metal polish?) and before putting it back into the outer cable, some lubrication could be applied, like graphite powder or whichever would be suitable. But maybe just ensuring it's clean without any traces of corrosion should be fine.

[mauro12]

It’s a good idea to lubricate near the handle inside the car ? I guess the same thing is for the soft top compartment.

[rwmastel]

I believe someone here had a problem with the cable detaching from the release handle in the car.  Get up close and make sure the connection is aligned properly, nothing is catching or loose.

[Ed Riefstahl]

Hi Pagoda friends,

I'm probably the strange duck on this forum. However, I had a friend years ago have the hood latch cable break on his Pagoda. I just remember it being a real nightmare for him to get the hood open. I don't recall how he finally did.

My wife and I are planning a 7000 mile cross country road trip in our 1966 230SL this summer. Last winter while working on the car I told her I was concerned that if it happened somewhere thousands of miles from home, we would have a real problem. So, last winter while the car was on the lift, I made a secondary release cable.

I basically used a bicycle brake cable and hooked it to the original hood latch and ran it down behind and under the brake booster and the handle is in behind the left front lower A frame. Just reach your arm under to feel for it and pull. It was easy and works like a charm, and who would ever know it's' there?

Ok, go ahead, I have thick skin. I'm ready for it. Not original etc. But, Ahhhhh that peace of mind is priceless. My wife thought it was a great idea. What else really matters?

Ed Riefstahl

1966 230SL (Ms Magoo)
1970 280S (Miss Daisy)
1999 BMW Z3 5 speed
1991 BMW 318I 5 Speed
1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible - One of 1000, (have you ever seen one?)
1997 Ford Ranger step side (Mater)
2023 Mazda CX 5

[mazmonza]

Similar to this.

[Ed Riefstahl]

Yeah Maz,
Yep, very similar. I removed the hood latch and attached a secondary cable directly to the latch mechanism. I mainly did this because we're taking an extensive road trip this summer in our SL, and remember all too well, my friend having his break.

If I remember correctly, the cable broke where it attaches to the latch mechanism. A real nightmare for him.

I realize this is a bit extreme, but lets face it, these cars are past 50 years old and metal does fatigue over time. I had the hood latch brake on my Ford Ranger in my driveway. That was a real pain, however the latch is in the front on a Ranger. I can't even imagine trying to get the hood open on one of these SLs, let alone a thousand miles from home. Like I said, peace of mind, that's all.

Ed Riefstahl
1966 230SL (Ms Magoo) Horizon Blue
1970 280S (Miss Daisy)
1999 BMW Z3 5 speed
1991 BMW 318I 5 Speed
1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible - One of 1000, (have you ever seen one?)
1997 Ford Ranger step side (Mater)
2023 Mazda CX 5